I found inspiration flipping through the latest issue of Gourmet: Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops. Mmm. That sounded good. I didn't feel like ice pops exactly, but they were onto something with the watermelon. So I closed my eyes and repeated "watermelon margaritas" three times. Then set off to create something that would do the fruit justice.
By no means do I think this is a first. I know plenty of people have made watermelon (and many other flavored) margaritas. But I didn't want to follow someone else's recipe. I wanted to "wing it" and drink any mistakes. But the reviews were positive. Everyone went back for a second glass. The watermelon was light and refreshing... the perfect prelude to sliders, hot dogs, baked beans, and pie.
Watermelon margaritas (makes 1 pitcher, about 8 glasses)
10 cups watermelon cubed (This becomes about 4 cups of juice after pureeing and straining)
juice of 1 lime
3-6 tablespoons simple syrup
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt (or some other coarse salt)
1-2 limes, cut into wedges watermelon wedges, for garnish
1. Mix sugar and salt. Put on a small plate or shallow bowl. This is to rim the glasses later.
2. Puree watermelon cubes in blender. I had to do it in two batches.
3. Strain the pureed watermelon to remove a lot of the pulpiness.
4. In a pitcher, mix watermelon juice with tequila, Gran Marnier, and lime juice. Add simple syrup to taste. (I used about 5 tablespoons).
5. To serve: run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the rim into the sugar-salt mixture. Add ice to the glass. Fill glass with watermelon margarita (be sure to stir it in the pitcher before pouring because it can separate and settle). Squeeze lime wedge into glass. Garnish with a wedge of watermelon.
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